Former state Controller Betty Yee has officially suspended her campaign for California governor, narrowing the field of Democratic candidates as the primary election nears.

Shifting Dynamics in the 2026 Race

The high-stakes race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom experienced a significant change this week with Yee’s announcement. She entered the political arena in 2024 as a prominent San Francisco Democrat but struggled to gain substantial voter support despite her extensive experience in state government.

Polling Data and Campaign Challenges

Recent polling data revealed challenges for Yee’s campaign, showing her at just 1.4 percent last week. This placed her near the bottom of the Democratic field, slightly ahead of state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Name recognition and fundraising proved difficult hurdles for Yee.

Impact of Recent Departures

Yee’s exit follows Representative Eric Swalwell’s suspension of his campaign earlier this month due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell’s departure significantly altered the race, boosting support for billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, who are now considered frontrunners according to Emerson College surveys.

Yee's Campaign Strategy

In the later stages of her campaign, Yee attempted to differentiate herself by emphasizing stability and pragmatism. She adopted slogans like “Boring Betty” and “No Baggage Betty” to highlight her administrative experience and contrast it with the controversies surrounding other candidates.

In an April social media video, Yee emphasized her qualifications for governing California, citing her role as Controller from 2015 to 2023 and her decade on the State Board of Equalization. She argued her experience managing state finances prepared her for the executive role, but this message did not resonate with primary voters.

Looking Ahead to the Primary

Despite suspending her campaign, Yee’s name will remain on the June 2 primary ballot due to the formal filing deadline having passed. California’s top-two primary system means the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party, will advance to the November runoff.

The remaining Democratic candidates – including former Orange County Representative Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Tony Thurmond – will now compete for Yee’s supporters. The Republican field, led by former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, is observing the Democratic developments closely.